At Evans Legal Practice we understand that meeting with a lawyer for the first time can be a nerve-racking and sometimes stressful experience. More often than not you are looking for assistance and advice from a legal professional in a difficult situation. There are certain steps you can take to help settle the nerves and get the most out of the meeting.
Tell your story
Your lawyer will ask you to describe the key facts of your matter and why you made the decision to seek legal advice. Telling your story will allow the lawyer to get a sense of your matter and what the best course of action may be in your circumstances. It is often helpful to come prepared with a brief timeline of events and an outline of your matter. Being able to tell your story will assist your lawyer in giving accurate and relevant advice, as well as helping settle some nerves.
Paperwork and information
Prior to your consultation, and along with preparing your timeline of events, gather together all relevant documents. These may include any letters of demand, contracts, photographs, court orders and anything that may be relevant to your matter. Having these documents with you in the initial consultation will assist you to convey your issue with your lawyer, as well as allowing the lawyer to get a better understanding of what your matter is about.
Ask questions and take notes
Asking questions during your consultation is just as important as answering them. Preparing to ask questions may seem unnecessary, however it will allow you to get the most out of your consultation. Having questions ready will also further prepare you to answer questions as you will undoubtedly run over and re-consider the series of events that led you to seek legal advice.
It can be difficult to remember what you discussed with your lawyer after a few days or weeks have passed. Taking notes during the consultation is one way of allowing yourself to re consider and revise the advice given. There may also be the need to provide the lawyer with follow up information and noting down what is required will be helpful to remind you.
Be open with us
Being open and candid with your lawyer is one of the most important steps to consider and remember. Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the legal profession. Lawyers are bound by a duty to keep all client information confidential, so anything you discuss with your lawyer will be treated as confidential. This duty ensures open and frank communications between lawyers and clients, as well as allowing a client to engage in more open and honest communications.
Overall, preparation for your first consultation is key. Being prepared will save time and ensure that all your questions are answered. It also allows your lawyer to be more effectively and efficiently deal with your matter.
If you or someone you know is seeking legal advice, contact Evans Legal Practice today. Conveniently located in Joondalup, our lawyers provide effective, professional legal services to clients in Perth’s Northern Suburbs.
